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Cheshire League Weekly Round-Up: 12th – 17th August

The second week of August has been action-packed in the Cheshire League, with multiple fixtures providing plenty of drama and significant shifts in the league standings. Here’s a summary of the week’s action and how it’s shaping up the table:

12th August 2024
– Maine Road Res. 2 – 2 Hartford FC
A closely contested match saw Maine Road Reserves hold Hartford FC to a 2-2 draw. Despite their efforts, both teams had to settle for a share of the points, reflecting their evenly matched performances.

13th August 2024
– **Stretford Paddock 2 – 0 Newton Athletic**
Stretford Paddock continued their strong start to the season with a 2-0 victory over Newton Athletic. Goals in the second half secured the win, keeping Paddock unbeaten and near the top of the table.

– Moore United 3 – 1 Warrington Rylands Dev.
Moore United claimed their first win of the season, defeating Warrington Rylands Development 3-1. The home side took control early on and never looked back, leaving Rylands still searching for their first victory.

– Newton-Le-Willows 2 – 1 Wigan Town
Newton-Le-Willows edged out Wigan Town with a 2-1 win, adding another three points to their tally and keeping Wigan rooted at the bottom of the table.

14th August 2024
– Halton Farnworth Hornets 5 – 4 Haydock FC
In one of the most thrilling games of the week, Halton Farnworth Hornets emerged victorious in a nine-goal thriller against Haydock FC. The Hornets’ firepower was too much for Haydock, despite a valiant effort from the visitors.

17th August 2024
– Stretford Paddock 3 – 0 Wigan Town
Stretford Paddock continued their unbeaten run with a dominant 3-0 win over Wigan Town. Goals from Zak Bell, Ronaldo Brown, and Kayode Adewale ensured a comfortable victory and kept Paddock at the top of the table.

– Lymm Rovers 5 – 2 Moore United
Lymm Rovers put in a commanding performance, defeating Moore United 5-2. This win keeps Lymm Rovers within striking distance of the league leaders.

– Mersey Valley 4 – 2 Warrington Rylands Dev.
Mersey Valley secured a 4-2 win against Warrington Rylands Development, continuing Rylands’ tough start to the season and moving Mersey Valley further up the table.

– Sandbach Town 2 – 1 Maine Road Res.
Sandbach Town edged out Maine Road Reserves with a narrow 2-1 win, maintaining their strong early season form and keeping them in the upper half of the table.

– Newton Athletic 2 – 2 Newton-Le-Willows
In a clash between two closely matched teams, Newton Athletic and Newton-Le-Willows played out a 2-2 draw. Both sides showed resilience, but neither could find the decisive goal.

League Table After This Week
The results from the past week have started to create a clear picture in the league standings:

1. Stretford Paddock took the top spot in the table, with 10 points from 4 matches, remaining unbeaten and showing their intent to challenge for the title.
2. St Helens Town and Lymm Rovers are hot on their heels, both showcasing strong early-season form.
3. Halton Farnworth Hornets and Sandbach Town also secured vital wins this week, keeping them in contention near the top.
4. Mersey Valley and Newton Athletic are holding steady in mid-table, while Wigan Town and Warrington Rylands Development remain at the bottom, still without a win.

This week has been important in establishing the early frontrunners and showing which teams might struggle as the season progresses. With plenty of football left to play, there will undoubtedly be more twists and turns as teams continue to fight for points in the coming weeks.

We are thrilled to announce our opening fixtures for the upcoming season.

Here’s a rundown of our first matches:

Saturday, 27th July:

Opponent: St Helens Town
Venue: [Home] Project Solar Stadium, Hyde 3pm KO

We kick off our season against St Helens Town, a formidable side we had thrilling encounters with last season. We secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home thanks to an incredible late free-kick from Omar Sinclair. Away from home, we triumphed 2-0 with goals from Victor Iyumva and Mikey Burke.

Wednesday, 31st July:

Opponent: Dukinfield Town
Venue: Dixon Brooklands, Wythenshawe 7.45pm KO
We have a midweek friendly against Dukinfield Town. This match will be a great opportunity to fine-tune our tactics and give some game time to different squad members.

Saturday, 3rd Aug:

Opponent: Warrington Rylands Reserves
Venue: [Away] 2pm KO
Our second league game sees us travel to face Warrington Rylands Reserves. No idea what to expect from Rylands – the first team is a fantastic side, hoping to play well and secure valuable points on the road.

Watch Live on Twitch

We are excited to announce that all our games will be live-streamed on Twitch this season. This is a fantastic opportunity for our fans worldwide to follow the action in real-time and support the team from anywhere. Don’t miss a moment of the excitement!

We hope to have a more extensive fixture list coming up soon. Stay tuned for updates and make sure to mark your calendars for these exciting games. Your support is crucial as we embark on this new season. Let’s make it a memorable one, together!

Stretford Paddock looked to bounce back against Cheshire League 1 opposition Daten FC after a disappointing loss against Droyslden in the second edition of the Tony Downes memorial game.

Ste wasn’t without his fair few of absentees but it was a great opportunity to get some new faces minutes and also ramp up the preparation for another important league campaign.

The match began at a fairly quick tempo with some controlled possession from Paddock but it was the visitors that flew out the traps the fastest, where a mazy run from their left winger resulted in Michael Burke mistiming his challenge in the area, giving a penalty to Daten.

The visitors went 1-0 up with a very well taken penalty but almost immediately doubled their lead as a slack pass from Joe Coleman led to Paddock being punished as their forward latched onto the errand pass and scored emphatically.

Paddock responded brilliantly however where a direct run and cutback from Ronaldo Brown was met by a great left footed finish by Josh Mbala to get Paddock back into the game. As the momentum swung, another great piece of play down the left from Ronaldo led to a slide through ball to Sam Pratt who finished calmly under the keeper to equalize.

Momentum swung heavily Paddocks way going towards half time where just before the half a long through ball from Martin to an overlapping Mikey Burke put him through on goal before deftly lofting the ball over the onrushing keeper and putting Paddock in front.

For all the joy Paddock were getting the second half was a dier affair, where Paddock never really got going and before Ste knew it, a 3-2 half time scoreline became 6-3.

Some of the only positives to take from the second half were the performances and debuts of multiple 15 and 16 year olds who performed admirably and looked comfortable at the senior level, getting their first taste for mens football.

Paddock now look towards the beginning of their league campaign as pre-season quickly draws to an end.

Stretford Paddock faced a tough challenge in the annual Tony Downes memorial match on Saturday (July 6), falling to Droylsden 5-0 at the Butcher’s Arms.

The first half was tightly contested and ended goalless, showcasing a strong defensive effort from Stretford Paddock and a standout performance from Paddock’s keeper, Martin. With Paddock’s only opportunity of the game coming through a tricky piece of play down the right wing from Ronaldo, cutback to Jainero who saw his shot well saved.

Droylsden came out strong in the second half, with their big burling striker breaking the deadlock just five minutes after the restart.

Despite Paddock’s best efforts, Droylsden doubled their lead just before the 70-minute mark, with their dangerous winger scoring from close range. The same player then quickly added his second and Droylsden’s third goal, calmly finishing past an advancing Martin.

Paddock were struggling to cope with the constant wave of pressure and eventually the pressure told. Droyslden then increased the lead to four with just ten minutes remaining, and another stoppage time strike from the home side sealed the result.

While the match was a tough one for Stretford Paddock, the primary focus was on honoring Droylsden guardsman Tony Downes, who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2007 at the age of 20.

Tony is remembered locally with a street, a building, and this memorial match trophy, which was presented to Droylsden at full-time.

We are excited to announce that Stretford Paddock FC’s first team will be playing our home games at the prestigious Project Solar Stadium for the 2024/25 season. This decision marks a significant step forward as we continue to strive for excellence both on and off the pitch. Notably, the stadium has also been used by Manchester United and Manchester City’s Reserve and women’s sides in recent history, underscoring its top-tier quality.

New Home for the First Team: The first team will now call the Project Solar Stadium, home of Hyde United, their new base. This excellent facility features a top-quality 4G pitch, which we believe will bring out the best in our squad. Our track record at this stadium speaks for itself, having won every game we played there. The brilliant atmosphere and facilities make it the perfect venue for us to aim for continued success next season.

Manager Stephen Howson shared his thoughts: “We are very grateful to Droylsden for allowing us to play at their ground last season. However, we feel that our best football is played on a 4G pitch, and Hyde United’s stadium is one of the best around. We’ve won every time we’ve played there and hope to continue that trend in the upcoming season. It’s a brilliant stadium, and we are excited for what’s ahead.”

New Home for U21s and Reserves: In addition, our U21s and reserves will play their home games at Openshaw campus, the same ground where the first team concluded last season. This move ensures consistency and familiarity, helping our younger squads to perform at their best.

We look forward to welcoming all our fans to these fantastic venues and appreciate your continued support. Together, we aim to make the 2024/25 season one of our best yet.

Stay tuned for more updates and matchday information as we prepare for an exciting season ahead.

As we approach the final hours of the pre-order window for our much-anticipated “The Code Breaker” kit, we want to remind our fans and supporters that this is your last chance to guarantee your jersey ahead of the upcoming season.

Pre-Order Closes This Monday! Since the launch this past Monday, the response to our new kit has been overwhelmingly positive. To ensure you don’t miss out, we strongly advise placing your pre-order before the deadline on Monday. Remember, availability of sizes will be limited after pre-orders close, and the fastest way to secure your jersey is by pre-ordering now.

Why Pre-Order? Pre-ordering guarantees that you will receive your desired size without delays. The jerseys are set to arrive in the last week of July, and pre-ordering ensures you are among the first to wear the new “The Code Breaker” kit, embodying the spirit and legacy of Alan Turing with pride.

Kit Details: Inspired by the legendary figure of Alan Turing, the kit features a unique binary pattern and a powerful quote on resilience and innovation. It’s more than just a jersey; it’s a statement of our club’s ambition and a tribute to a pioneering spirit.

Secure Your Kit Now: Don’t wait until it’s too late! Head to our online store now to place your pre-order. This is the most effective way to ensure you receive your “The Code Breaker” kit as soon as it’s available.

Thank You for Your Support: We are thrilled by the community’s enthusiasm for the new kit and are excited to see it in action both in the stands and on the pitch. Your support directly contributes to the club’s success and helps us keep pushing the boundaries on and off the field.

Visit our online store now to secure your kit. Let’s make this season unforgettable with “The Code Breaker”!

We are thrilled to announce a significant development for Stretford Paddock FC as we welcome Priceworx, a leader in digital project management for the construction industry, as our main sponsor for the upcoming 2024/25 season. This partnership is set to enrich our club’s journey with a shared vision for innovation and community support.

Priceworx is not just our sponsor but a valued member of the Stretford Paddock family, bringing with them a passion for supporting local communities and enhancing operational efficiencies. Their involvement promises to elevate both our on-field performance and our engagement with fans, aligning perfectly with our ambitions for the future.

From the Manager’s Desk: Stephen Howson, Manager of Stretford Paddock FC, shared his thoughts on this new partnership: “Partnering with Priceworx is a great opportunity for both parties, there’s a lot of people in grassroots who also work in construction. So it’s a partnership that we think we can really push. Our members, our supporters, players, volunteers and even our opposition – so many people who work in construction could benefit from the software Tom and the gang at Priceworx have created, very happy to have them aboard.”

A Word from Our Sponsor: Tom Newton, Co-Founder at Priceworx, expressed his enthusiasm about joining forces with Stretford Paddock FC: “We are excited to begin this journey with Stretford Paddock FC, a club known for its strong community ties and vibrant future. We look forward to supporting the club in achieving its ambitious goals and are proud to be part of their story.”

If you’ve pre-ordered our latest kits, you’ve already seen the Priceworx logo, which proudly adorns them. This visibility is just the beginning of what we hope will be a transformative season for us with Priceworx by our side.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build on this partnership and head into a season full of promise and potential. Here’s to a future where innovation meets legacy at Stretford Paddock FC!

Stretford Paddock FC are excited to unveil our new kit design for the 24/25 season, uniquely titled the “Code Breaker” kit, as a tribute to the incredible legacy of Mancunian hero, Alan Turing OBE, who passed away on this day 70 years ago, June 7th 1954. This design was democratically chosen by our dedicated members, through a community-driven voting process.

This season’s kit marks a bold departure from our traditional red and white, transitioning to a striking black and red design. Named the “Code Breaker,” this kit symbolises innovation and progress, reflecting our club’s respect for historical figures who have paved the way for modern advancements. It embodies our commitment to breaking new ground, both on and off the field.

The kit, inspired by the words and works of Alan Turing, features a quote from the original code-breaker himself, which resonates with what we are trying to build, as a club.

We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done.

Thank you for your unwavering support and for playing a crucial role in this exciting phase of our club’s journey. We look forward to seeing our fans in the stands, donned in the new “Code Breaker” kit!

The kit is expected to be on-sale online and at our home games from the 27th of July.

Please watch the video above, to see the process of its creation;

Stretford Paddock secured a 4-2 home victory over Haydock FC despite two late goals from the away side.

With first choice goalkeeper Mason Taylor unavailable and Martin Flanagan continuing on his road to recovery, as he looks to make an appearance before the season ends Ex Manchester United goalkeeper Nick Culkin was called up to make his second appearance between the sticks this season.

Paddock started the match very much on the front foot with Haydock struggling to gain possession as paddock effortlessly shifted the ball around creating chances with ease.

The opening ten minutes paddock won three corners and the best chance came from the third set piece as Callum Walsh swung his left footed cross into the box a headed clearance fell to right back Omar Sinclair outside the box and his well struck shot was blocked as it flew goal bound.

Paddock took the lead just after the 15-minute mark with another corner the low cross saw a scuffed clearance to Walsh outside the area allowed the winger to take a touch to set the ball out of his feet before curling a shot into the top left corner leaving the Haydock keeper flat footed.

Paddock gained control of the match as defender Michael Olatunji expertly won the ball in defence before playing a pinged through ball to Salmon-Harris in behind the defence, the number 10 slotted the ball past the on-rushing keeper to double Paddock’s lead.

A mere couple of minutes after the second, Salmon-Harris intercepted a pass in the Haydock defence and as he drove into the area the ball was squared across goal, and it was tapped in by father, Salmon for the third goal of the afternoon.

Half time: Stretford Paddock 3-0 Haydock FC

The break saw paddock make some changes as Nosa Iyamu and Mikey Burke replaced Coleman and Sinclair.

The start of the second half saw Haydock win a freekick just inside the paddock half on the right side, a deep in swinging cross saw the Haydock central defender climb above everyone and as the header looped onto the crossbar and away from danger.

With just over 20 minutes to go Burke played a ball down the line to Walsh a low cross found Iyamu in the box and tricky feet gave the midfielder half a yard to take a shot across goal and a save saw the ball bounce up to Walsh who tapped in his second of the afternoon.

Haydock instantly replied when the number 10 was found in space almost 30 yards out and a speculative shot flew over Culkin before hitting the underside of the crossbar and bouncing into the goal.

Approaching the final five minutes Haydock won the ball in the middle of the park and a through ball beat the Paddock high line, despite the pace of the defence getting back into shape the Haydock winger turned and played the ball back to the number 10 on the edge of the area who smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Full time: Stretford Paddock 4-2 Haydock FC

Dear Stretford Paddock FC Family,

First and foremost, a massive thank you to everyone who participated in our recent voting on the proposed expansions of our club. Your engagement and enthusiasm are what make Stretford Paddock FC the vibrant and growing community it is today. Here are the results and what they mean for our future:

Voting Results Are In!

• U16 Side Introduction: An overwhelming 97.16% of you voted in favor. We’re moving forward with welcoming both new U16 sides to our club!
• U18 Side Introduction: With 97.74% approval, we’re excited to start planning for the inclusion of an U18 side.
• Reintroducing a Reserve Side: 93.73% support means we’ll also focus on bringing back a reserve side to strengthen our player pathway.

Your support for these initiatives clearly demonstrates our collective commitment to nurturing young talent and providing a complete progression pathway from youth to adult levels.

Addressing Your Questions & Suggestions:

There were over 100 comments on the vote from various members, and a lot of those covered the same topics, so I will answer as best I can below;

Veterans Team & Club App: A few comments had asked about the possibility of introducing a veterans team for former players. I think a strong vets side would be the cherry on the top of a fully functional club, and demonstrate the strength of community. But It is not a focus, right now. Also, progress on our club app is a topic close to all of us, it was ready, and then the update to Twitter/X really destroyed the progress. As it stands, we are at a pause and I don’t have anything more concrete I can update. This needs addressing.

Permanent Home: We’re in active discussions regarding a permanent home for our teams and will share more detailed updates as soon as we have them, it is a long-term goal, and would alleviate an enormous chunk of facility issues, but it’s extremely expensive and we need government, council and grant help. Wait out on this.

Live Streaming Games: The idea of live-streaming games has been something we’ve wanted since our first season. The new Veo camera (once it arrives) promises this facility, it needs testing, but it supposedly can be done. There may be some commercial options we can explore with regard to the live streams. Stay tuned!

Kit/Sponsor Update: Your feedback on kits and sponsors has been invaluable. In the coming weeks, we will present options for our kit manufacturer and sponsor for the next season. Your vote will again play a crucial role.

Virtual/Physical AGM: Plans for a virtual and/or physical AGM are in the works, aiming to bring our global supporter base closer together. It is my intention for us to have this summer’s AGM live for all members to join in, and to ask questions.

Finances: There were concerns amongst the comments in the last vote that there may be a substantial cost to running the additional junior sides. On the contrary, the additional teams actually provide additional revenue to the club through subs. There’s also intangibles that are difficult to project. Such as each new squad of juniors will bring with them family members who might purchase a shirt, or hoodie, or become a member, or share and comment on the videos, which all leads to further growth for the club. Financial projections for next season will be shared at the AGM.

What’s Next?

Upcoming Votes: Your input is essential. Keep an eye out for upcoming votes on our kit manufacturer, kit sponsor for next season, and options for live broadcasting. Your voice will guide these critical decisions as we continue to grow and evolve.

Closing Thoughts:

The unity and passion within our club are stronger than ever. Together, we’re not just building teams; we’re crafting a legacy. As we embark on these exciting expansions, remember that every player, every member, and every vote shapes the future of Stretford Paddock FC.

Here’s to our next steps together—onwards and upwards, Up the Paddock!

Warm regards,

Ste